Providence's Can't Miss Fall Events

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: The Great Pun-Kin Trail, presented by Citizens, returns October 1 - November 1 with an all-new trail of clever carvings guaranteed to make you smile, groan, and laugh out loud. This year's theme celebrates the art of the pun, with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins bringing witty wordplay to life through pop culture references, playful characters and pun-believable scenes. From clever one-liners to delightfully cheesy dad jokes, there's something to make every guest grin as they stroll The Great Pun-Kin Trail, where over 5,000 glowing jack-o'-lanterns illuminate the Zoo. Don't miss New England's "must-see" family-friendly event of the Halloween season at Roger Williams Park Zoo. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets are required and sold online only. No refunds or rescheduling. Tickets go on sale mid-August!

By Charles Dickens Original Music by Richard Cumming Directed by Taavon Gamble November 5 – December 31, 2026Dowling TheaterCelebrating 50 Years of Holiday CheerAs the clock strikes midnight on a fateful Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge gets an unexpected visit from the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley. In a world shaped by music, memory, and possibility, Scrooge is swept into a supernatural journey through past, present, and future. Along the way, he must confront what he has built, what he has lost, and what he still has: the power to change for the good of his community, and his very soul. This year’s 50th anniversary production, directed by company member Taavon Gamble, celebrates the beloved legacy of Trinity Rep’s annual tradition of reimagining the story anew each year.

Rhode Island's premier pop culture event returns to the Amica Mutual Pavilion and the Rhode Island Convention Center. This three-day event features guests from the hottest properties, like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR and others. Fans can meet the biggest names in voice acting, animation and comic book art. Vendors, panels, games and cosplay all round out this pop culture celebration!

WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music.Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 PM

Jeff Tweedy, founding member and frontman of Wilco, is one of contemporary music’s most respected songwriters and performers. In addition to 13 Wilco albums, he has released four solo albums and authored three New York Times bestsellers. In the wake of his 2026 critical success, Twilight Override (dBpm Records), this solo tour offers fans a rare chance to experience songs from Tweedy’s expansive catalog in a more intimate setting — spanning both his solo work and Wilco favorites.

THE PARTY’S ROARING IN PROVIDENCE! THE GREAT GATSBY is a “Broadway extravaganza that explodes with life and energy” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award®-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.Directed by Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), this story of extravagance and longing features choreography by Dominique Kelley (So You Think You Can Dance), a book by Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones) and a jazz- and pop-influenced original score by Jason Howland (Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Paradise Square).Part of the Taco and the White Family Foundation Broadway Series

Dave Matthews Band was the highest-ranked American headliner on Pollstar’s list of the “25 Most Popular Touring Artists of The Millenium,” coming in at No. 4. Since debuting in 1991, Dave Matthews Band has sold more than 25 million tickets, making them the second-largest ticket seller in history, and a combined 38 million CDs and DVDs. Named as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador in 2019, Dave Matthews Band has a long history of reducing its environmental footprint, going back to its first shows in 1991. This fall, the band will continue its partnership with Live Nation venues to further minimize the environmental footprint of its tour. 2026 marks the third year of the “On The Road To Zero Waste Tour,” which achieved a milestone of over 90% of fan-generated waste at Live Nation venues composted recycled or donated in previous years. Dave Matthews Band will once again join forces with environmental nonprofit REVERB, celebrating 21 years of partnership focused on making the music industry more sustainable and fan-driven action more measurable. In 2026, Dave Matthews Band continues its long‑standing support of The Nature Conservancy’s global reforestation efforts. Seven years strong, this work is rooted in a simple belief that healthy forests help create a healthier planet. With this year’s tour, the band will have planted a total of 7 million trees by the end of 2026. These trees help rebuild critical forests that clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, and support a more stable climate for future generations. Learn more about this work with The Nature Conservancy at dmbtrees.org.

Get ready to groove as the legendary Dark Star Orchestra takes the stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable night of music! This iconic band is renowned for their electrifying performances that pay homage to the Grateful Dead, blending nostalgia with a fresh twist. The beautiful ambiance of the Providence Performing Arts Center, with its stunning architecture and intimate setting, creates the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with soulful melodies and vibrant energy.Join fellow music lovers in Providence for the Dark Star Orchestra - Providence concert, where you can relive classic hits and experience the magic of live rock music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends, let the music take you away, and secure your tickets today for an experience that promises to resonate long after the final note!